Regular Consumption of French Fries Significantly Increases Diabetes Risk, Study Finds

Islamabad: A long-term medical study has found that potatoes themselves may not be the primary health concern, but consuming them in fried form—particularly as French fries—can significantly increase the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

The research, which followed more than 205,000 participants over a period of nearly 37 years, recorded over 22,000 cases of Type 2 diabetes during the study period.

According to the findings, eating French fries three times a week was associated with an approximately 20 percent higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. In contrast, consuming boiled or steamed potatoes in similar amounts was not linked to a significant increase in risk.

Health experts explained that the main issue is not the potato itself but the deep-frying process, which substantially increases fat and calorie content and may negatively affect the body’s insulin regulation.

Why Dietary Changes Matter

Researchers emphasized that preventing diabetes is not only about avoiding unhealthy foods but also about choosing healthier alternatives.

Fiber-Rich Foods Recommended

The study found that replacing three weekly servings of French fries with fiber-rich foods could reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by around 8 percent.

Fiber-rich foods digest more slowly, helping to prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar levels. They also contain beneficial vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support effective insulin function.

Whole Grains Show the Greatest Benefit

One of the most significant findings was that replacing three weekly servings of French fries with whole grains could lower diabetes risk by as much as 19 percent.

Researchers noted that French fries contain high levels of fats, calories, and compounds that may contribute to insulin resistance over time, whereas whole grains help maintain healthier blood sugar balance.

Warning About White Rice

The study also highlighted that replacing boiled or baked potatoes with white rice may not be beneficial. In fact, doing so could further increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Nutrition experts explained that white rice is a refined carbohydrate that is rapidly digested, causing blood glucose levels to rise quickly. As a result, it was not considered a healthier substitute for potatoes.

Medical experts concluded that adopting a balanced diet centered on natural foods, minimizing fried items, choosing boiled or steamed potatoes, and increasing consumption of whole grains can significantly reduce the long-term risk of diabetes and insulin resistance.